The constitution is outdated and old-fashioned – Kwesi Pratt

Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has raised concerns about Ghana’s presidential succession process. He highlighted ambiguities in the Constitution, especially regarding the Chief Justice's role when both the President and Vice President are absent.

Speaking on Metro TV, Pratt stated he found no provision allowing the Chief Justice to act as President. “Nowhere in the Constitution is it stated that,” he asserted. He emphasized that his thorough examination revealed this absence.

Pratt questioned recent interpretations suggesting the Chief Justice could step in during a presidential absence. He pointed out that Article 60 only allows the Speaker of Parliament to act in such cases.

He explained that if both the President and Vice President are unavailable, the First Deputy Speaker can perform presidential duties. “In their absence, the First Deputy Speaker automatically becomes Speaker,” he argued.

Pratt also criticized Ghana’s Constitution as outdated for today’s technological advancements. He described it as “old-fashioned” and noted it was created when international calls took hours to connect.

He recalled how calling London required going to a post office and waiting six hours for a connection. Today, technologies like Zoom and WhatsApp make communication instant.

“The President could be in Kosum Kaya and still run this country,” he said. He added that parliamentary business can be conducted from anywhere in the world.

Pratt's comments highlight ongoing discussions about reviewing Ghana’s Constitution to better reflect modern realities, especially with digital access shaping governance today.